Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier has officially announced his retirement from football.
Shazier made the announcement on Wednesday in a video.
Shazier suffered a serious spinal injury back in December 2017 during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Shazier thanked his wife Michelle, Coach Tomlin and the entire Steelers organization along with the people and City of Pittsburgh for their support.
“You have been with me ever since I was drafted, through good times and rough times but never more than during my recovery,” said Shazier.
Shazier also credits football for turning him into “a man, that would teach me how to live, how to chase success.”
“Football may have been taken away from me, but everything it gave me is still here inside,” Shazier added.
Shazier had a long road to recover but has learned to walk again and previously said his goal was to once again play football someday.
“I’m going to step away for a while and see what else life has to offer, I know football will always be here for me if I need it, but right now I’m excited to explore some new challenges and different paths,” said Shazier.
Over a week ago, Coach Tomlin announced Shazier was no longer with the team.
“Ryan is not missing because of COVID, Ryan is focused on some transitional things in his life and that’s where his focus is right now and he has my and our full support,” said Tomlin.
Since the injury, Shazier has gotten married to his girlfriend Michelle Rodriguez and has had a child with her. He has another child from a previous relationship.
Shazier is a Pro Bowler and was the Steelers first round draft pick in 2014 going 15th overall.